Visiting the USS Maine Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery

In the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, the USS Maine Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the sailors who perished in the deadly February 15th, 1898 explosion of the USS Maine in the harbor in Havana, Cuba. 

Of the ship’s crew of 335 men,  261 would ultimately die. “Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!” became a pro-war rallying cry. The explosion helped ignite the Spanish-American War.

It’s located near Section 24, this striking memorial features the original mast and bell of the USS Maine, standing tall above a granite base inscribed with the names of those lost. The memorial overlooks the remains of 165 remains (63 known, 102 unknown) killed by the explosion. 

The site offers a moment of reflection on the lives sacrificed and the war that reshaped American history.

While you are visiting Arlington National Cemetery, make sure to follow one of the self-guided walking routes. Along the way, you will pass the USS Maine Memorial, but will also get a chance to see President John. F. Kennedy’s grave and eternal flame.  Also, be sure to make time to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It happens every hour on the hour from October 1 to March 31, and every half hour from April 1 to September 30.

You can also, tour the Arlington House, which was Robert E. Lee’s home. 

Arlington National Cemetery is not only our nation’s most hallowed ground, it is also one of the busiest places to visit in the greater Washington D.C. area.  If you plan on visiting, arrive early and make sure to budget plenty of time.